Back to: Seedlings
Proper selection and care of seedlings are the foundation of every beautiful garden or productive orchard. A young plant in its first years requires special attention in order to develop a strong root system and become resistant to external influences. Regardless of whether you are planning to plant fruit, ornamental trees or a hedge, understanding the basic principles of planting and protection is key to the longevity of your planting.
If you are looking for new seedlings for your garden or garden, on this page you can find a list of florists in Belgrade, where you can buy seedlings.
The ideal time for planting most seedlings is during the dormant period of vegetation, which includes late autumn and early spring. Fall planting is often considered superior because the soil retains the heat accumulated over the summer, allowing the roots to begin regeneration before a deep freeze occurs. On the other hand, spring planting is suitable for species sensitive to low temperatures, but requires more intensive watering during the coming summer months. If you buy seedlings in pots (container seedlings), their planting is technically possible throughout the year, provided that extremely hot summer days are avoided.
Young seedlings, due to their delicate bark, are a frequent target of rodents (such as rabbits and field mice) and large game. The safest form of protection is the installation of physical barriers. Special plastic nets wrapped around the tree are extremely effective in preventing animals from gnawing the bark, which can be fatal to the plant. To protect against larger game, such as roe deer, it is recommended to fence the entire lot or install individual wire fences around each tree. Also, there are various repellents on the market whose specific smell repels animals, but their effect often weakens after heavy rains.
Extremely low temperatures and early spring frosts can seriously damage young seedling tissue. The most effective way of protection is to wrap the tree and crown with air-permeable materials, such as agrotextile (lutrasil), jute or corn cob. These materials retain heat while preventing the build-up of moisture that can lead to rotting. It is very important to avoid using nylon or ordinary plastic, because they do not allow the plant to "breathe". Additionally, applying a thick layer of mulch (straw or sawdust) around the base of the seedling protects the roots from freezing and maintains a stable soil temperature.